The year in photos, 2013

Sam Phifer, foreground, and Eric DeCaro take the faceoff while Michael DeCaro, left, and Will DeCaro look on on the DeCaro backyard ice rink. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

A man shovels a sidewalk on Grove Avenue during a March snow fall. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

Vincent Vasquez was among the eighth-grade boys selected to process with a statue of Mary during a May crowning service at St. Luke Parish School in River Forest.(David Pierini/staff photographer)

Cub scout Luke Mahalko, center, can march, eat a sucker and carry his load of a giant American flag all at the same time during the River Forest Memorial Day parade. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

New arrivals, like PJ, get sniffed by the pack before play commences at backyard party for pugs and their owners in Oak Park. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

Margaret Price sits on the lap of her mother, Carol, during a rosary organized by the Respect Life committee at Ascension Catholic Church. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

As the Huskies acknowledged their enthustiastic fans following a loss, Xavier Rowe, center, whiped his face. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

Aaron Willard is ready to attack the spring board as he awaits instruction from his gymnastic's teacher to begin his approach. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

Players in the Oak Park River Forest Youth Football program lineup for drills. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

Brian Timpone, 6, of River Forest, used both the inside and outside of his mouth on the first bite of a smore at the Family Fireside Halloween event at the River Forest Public Library and Centennial Park. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

Maddie Ackerman, left, Jenna Lucas, Andris Lindsay and Nia Coke inspect their feet and costumes in the mirror as they stand en pointe before a recital at the Academy of Movement and Music. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

Pysched to see the kids, Santa, played by former Oak Park village councilman John Hedges, waves at families standing in line to see him at Cheney Mansion. (David Pierini/staff photographer)

From a collection of autumn leaves found in Oak Park and River Forest. (David Pierini/staff photographer)